Chapter 496
Chapter 496:
“Stefan? Are you still working on tracking Alexander’s contact?”
“Yes. And I think I’m getting close. Someone in Manhattan, probably operating from an office building.” Stefan saved his progress before continuing. “How’s Victoria?”
“Better. Awake and talking. She told us about what really happened with Meridian Technologies.”
“It’s complicated. Victoria isn’t innocent, but she’s not the monster Alexander believes her to be either.” Camille’s voice sounded exhausted. “Someone has been feeding Alexander just enough truth mixed with lies to make him believe Victoria is a killer.”
Stefan felt cold dread in his stomach. “Camille, I intercepted something earlier tonight. A message that mentioned you specifically. Someone is watching you.”
“What do you mean?”
“Someone sent Alexander a threatening text about you being at the hospital. They know your movements, and they’re using that information to pressure him.”
The line went quiet for a moment. “Stefan, Alexander is supposed to meet with his contact tonight. At Pier 47 at midnight.”
Stefan looked at his computer screens, watching new data streams flow in real-time. “That’s in two hours. If I can track the communications to tonight’s meeting, I might be able to identify who’s really behind this.”
“Is that safe? If these people are watching me, they might be watching you too.”
“I’ll be careful. But Camille, this might be our only chance to find out who’s been manipulating Alexander. If we can prove he’s been deceived, maybe we can stop him before he does something that destroys everyone.”
“Including himself,” Camille said quietly.
Stefan heard the pain in her voice and felt his chest tighten. Despite everything Alexander had done, despite the betrayal, surveillance, and corporate sabotage, Camille still cared about the man she had married. She still hoped he could be saved from his own rage.
“I’ll find them,” Stefan promised. “Whoever is pulling Alexander’s strings, whoever has been using his grief as a weapon against your family, I’ll expose them.”
“Just be careful. I can’t lose anyone else.”
After ending the call, Stefan returned to his computers with renewed urgency. The communication intercepts were showing increased activity, multiple encrypted messages flowing between various parties. Something big was being planned for tonight.
His tracking software suddenly lit up with alerts. A new communication had been sent from the Manhattan server, and this time Stefan’s programs had captured enough data to narrow the location significantly.
The message originated from somewhere in the financial district. A specific building, based on the network signature. Stefan pulled up building records, tenant lists, and corporate registrations.
One name stood out among the listings: Meridian Holdings LLC.
Stefan’s blood turned to ice. Someone was operating under a name directly connected to Richard Pierce’s failed company. Someone who wanted to make sure the connection was clear to anyone who dug deep enough to find it.
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